Kitten Health
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Congratulations on your new kitten!
As cat lovers, we know that this is the start of a lifelong friendship and are here to help ensure that your new addition is started on the right track for a lifetime of health and wellness. This page explains our preventive healthcare plan for kittens. As always, these are general guidelines only and we will tailor our protocol(s) to meet your kitten’s individual needs. |
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At the first vet visit:
We would like to see your new kitten for the first time at about 8 weeks of age
At 8 weeks, most kittens have just left their moms and are old enough for their first set of vaccines.
First comprehensive physical examination is performed by our doctors
Even at this young age, congenital concerns (such as a heart murmur) and parasites (such as ear mites) can be found on exam.
First set of vaccines
From the first milk kittens drink (colostrum milk), they obtain antibodies from their mothers in a process known as maternal immunity. These antibiotics have started to break down after the first few weeks of life so it important that your kitten be vaccinated so that their developing immune systems can protect them from the viruses found in our environment. Before giving any vaccines, we will discuss which infectious diseases we need to worry about for your cat’s lifestyle.
First set of deworming
There are worms and other parasites that a kitten can get from their mothers. As worm (and mites) don’t make good pets, your kitten will be given dewormer. To get all lifecycles, additional doses will be sent home.
Go over any questions or concerns about your new kitten
This is your time with the doctor and the only silly question is the one not asked. If you are unsure how to trim nails, litter train your cat, or what is normal, please ask.
Discuss kitten health in general
At this first visit, we will go over kitten health topics including diet, dental health, pet insurance, toxic plants, etc. that we think every cat owner should know about.
At 8 weeks, most kittens have just left their moms and are old enough for their first set of vaccines.
First comprehensive physical examination is performed by our doctors
Even at this young age, congenital concerns (such as a heart murmur) and parasites (such as ear mites) can be found on exam.
First set of vaccines
From the first milk kittens drink (colostrum milk), they obtain antibodies from their mothers in a process known as maternal immunity. These antibiotics have started to break down after the first few weeks of life so it important that your kitten be vaccinated so that their developing immune systems can protect them from the viruses found in our environment. Before giving any vaccines, we will discuss which infectious diseases we need to worry about for your cat’s lifestyle.
First set of deworming
There are worms and other parasites that a kitten can get from their mothers. As worm (and mites) don’t make good pets, your kitten will be given dewormer. To get all lifecycles, additional doses will be sent home.
Go over any questions or concerns about your new kitten
This is your time with the doctor and the only silly question is the one not asked. If you are unsure how to trim nails, litter train your cat, or what is normal, please ask.
Discuss kitten health in general
At this first visit, we will go over kitten health topics including diet, dental health, pet insurance, toxic plants, etc. that we think every cat owner should know about.
At the second vet visit:
See your kitten 3 – 4 weeks after their first visit
Your kitten will grow a lot in 4 weeks. Apart from addressing any new concerns that may have arisen, this follow-up visit is important as it coincides with the time for vaccine boosters.
Second comprehensive physical examination is performed by our doctors
This second exam will allow any health concerns brought up at the first visit to be rechecked as well as to ensure that your kitten is developing normally.
Second set of vaccines
Most vaccines require a follow-up booster to help ensure long-lasting immune protection. Pending a health exam, booster vaccines will be given. Some kittens may require a 3rd booster.
Go over any questions or concerns that may have come up in the past month
Our doctors are here to listen so please discuss any concerns you may have.
Discuss the next steps in kitten care
As the next visit for your kitten is typically spay/neuter surgery. We will discuss with you:
Your kitten will grow a lot in 4 weeks. Apart from addressing any new concerns that may have arisen, this follow-up visit is important as it coincides with the time for vaccine boosters.
Second comprehensive physical examination is performed by our doctors
This second exam will allow any health concerns brought up at the first visit to be rechecked as well as to ensure that your kitten is developing normally.
Second set of vaccines
Most vaccines require a follow-up booster to help ensure long-lasting immune protection. Pending a health exam, booster vaccines will be given. Some kittens may require a 3rd booster.
Go over any questions or concerns that may have come up in the past month
Our doctors are here to listen so please discuss any concerns you may have.
Discuss the next steps in kitten care
As the next visit for your kitten is typically spay/neuter surgery. We will discuss with you:
- What to expect at your cat’s spay/neuter surgery
- Pet ID (tattoo vs microchip
- FIV/FeLV screening
At the third vet visit:
Perform spay/neuter surgery
Apart from helping to control pet overpopulation, spaying your cat before their first heat cycle will bring their risk of developing mammary carcinoma (breast cancer) to near zero. For both genders of kittens, spaying/neutering also helps to prevent some bad behaviours including spraying.
ID your pet
Permanent identification will increase the chances of your cat getting home safe, should they go missing. Because cats are fast and can easily run out an open door, ALL cats should have ID.
FIV/FeLV screen your cat
FIV (cat AIDS) and FeLV are two deadly infectious diseases that are found in our environment. All cats should be screened. Screening is done at time of spay/neuter surgery because there is less chance of false positive results and because the blood can be collected while your kitty is snoozing.
Discuss diet transition
After spaying or neutering, a cat’s metabolic needs drop by about 25% so we will discuss transitioning your cat’s diet to help prevent obesity.
Start a home dental care plan
Now that all adult teeth are in, this is the time to start home dental care. Because brushing a cat’s teeth is a challenge, we advocate using dental diets (Medical Dental, Hills T/D, and PVD DH) in all young cats.
Apart from helping to control pet overpopulation, spaying your cat before their first heat cycle will bring their risk of developing mammary carcinoma (breast cancer) to near zero. For both genders of kittens, spaying/neutering also helps to prevent some bad behaviours including spraying.
ID your pet
Permanent identification will increase the chances of your cat getting home safe, should they go missing. Because cats are fast and can easily run out an open door, ALL cats should have ID.
FIV/FeLV screen your cat
FIV (cat AIDS) and FeLV are two deadly infectious diseases that are found in our environment. All cats should be screened. Screening is done at time of spay/neuter surgery because there is less chance of false positive results and because the blood can be collected while your kitty is snoozing.
Discuss diet transition
After spaying or neutering, a cat’s metabolic needs drop by about 25% so we will discuss transitioning your cat’s diet to help prevent obesity.
Start a home dental care plan
Now that all adult teeth are in, this is the time to start home dental care. Because brushing a cat’s teeth is a challenge, we advocate using dental diets (Medical Dental, Hills T/D, and PVD DH) in all young cats.
